JACKIE'S STORY
Jim and I were talking the other day and, among other things, this First Nation Group Benefit website was part of that discussion. I suggested I'd like to lend my story to it. It's a story I'm thinking many visitors to this site might relate to.
Jim has looked after our plan for 17 years. Eight years ago he tried to introduce us to a more financially efficient method of funding the Health, Dental & Vision care benefits of our group benefit program. I put him off that year, and then for another 3. Four years ago I finally followed his advice and, bottom line....we’ve been saving $26,000.00 to $30,000.00 per year for each of the last 4 years. Combined that's over $110,000.00 saved.
You'd be right to think we are happy & grateful for these results. That said, I'm always beating myself up for not acting when Jim first advised me about what he had for us 8 years ago. Yes, we've saved over $110,000.00 over the last 4 years however, I keep wondering about the $110,000.00 I let get away. Truth be told, it was just a lot easier to leave things the way they were, group insurance always seemed to be at the bottom of my "to-do" list (sorry Jim).
At our annual Forensic Audit reviews, Jim did point out where excess premiums were being billed compared to what the carriers targets were. As much as I got that, my mind was focusing on the bigger picture, taking care of "important" company matters. Like I said, the insurance process was at the bottom of my to-do list, more a blur than anything else. Our current situation was just easy to stay with, and it was safe! You got it, I was up to my neck in the insurance comfort zone “BOX”. Then one year Jim actually got me to slow down a bit. I agreed to get more invested and, as meeting day arrived, I was ready to acknowledge what I didn't know and, I was ready to learn. I had stepped out of the "BOX"! That was key for me. Had I not been honest with myself, had I not let Jim see that I really didn't get the gist of what was going on, he would never have been able to help me understand how to get to where my company needed to be. All of a sudden the lights came on! Here we are today with a fantastic program saving us thousands of dollars while providing improved coverage!
The truth is, for you to succeed with Jim, you're going to have to be honest with yourself. Once you understand your carriers pricing concepts, how Provincial Health care protects, or doesn't protect your plans exposure and, how insurance actually comes into play in your plan, the opportunities to improve your plans overall financial & coverage positions should present themselves. The biggest obstacle to my company's success with our group benefits was not Jim, it was me. Yes, I had the doubts & fears that normally accompany a change and I’m sure I’m not the only one that gets those feelings. Nonetheless, my commitment and determination paid off. It wasn't long before status quo settled in. Today there is no question that I am much more comfortable in my understanding of our pricing, how rates are set and how we're saving money year after year. I get it, and I understand it! I actually enjoy Annual financial reviews now. The plan runs smoother than it ever has and, the staff have never been happier.
I get that group benefits are not at the top of everyone's "to do" list.......been there, done that! That said, I don’t think you’d be sorry for taking the time to meet with Jim. For me, that comfort zone “BOX” thing delayed my action. Being uncomfortable talking about things I really didn't understand made that box so appealing. I’m hoping that the “BOX” doesn't do the same to you.
I'm offering my story because I believe that, for the most part, most Band management & program directors are no different than us. Someone once said that the only time you'll know wrong, is when right shows up at your door. With this letter I've tried to be as open and honest as I can with the hope that it might help.
Here's an interesting tidbit. We had another firm wanting to quote our group 2 years ago. You know the story line......we'll get you the best price, we'll beat any price you're paying, and so on. I phoned Jim to let him know about the call and to my surprise he encouraged me to let the firm quote our group. After two weeks of this firm reviewing our most recent 3 year claims, premium, rates and census history, the firm called me to let me know they were not able to improve either the quality of our coverage or its' pricing. They withdrew their offer to quote!
Lastly, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please know that I have not been compensated in any way for writing this. I am a real client and this is my personal story. It’s a small and enjoyable gesture for me to write this note for you and Jim. Jim is the real deal, you'll be happy with your decision to meet with him. If you need to speak with me, please do not hesitate to call Monday thru Friday, 8am - 4pm.
Sincerely,
Jackie Jernigan
Controller
Arnason Industries
Winnipeg, Manitoba